Opinions Please!

[hopefulnurse5]

Here is my story. I would like anyones opinion and to see what others would do in my situation. Hi. I live in San Diego. I am 25 years old and turning 26 this year. I have not yet finished college and still working as a CNA since I was 18. When I was 20 I entered the RN program at Kaplan College San Diego. I did my prereqs there, my A&P I and 2, and Micro. I continued with the program and made it to Fundamentals. BTW I'm working too while doing this program. After Fundis we went into Med/Surg and Pharm. That is where I started struggling. I ended up failing the classes and in result got kicked out of the program. The ONLY way back in is if I do the LVN to RN step up. I have accumualeted about 10k from loans and the classes I finished. So from there I was dissapointed and ended up going to CC for a few semesters and felt like it was dragging and so I would get lazy and at the same time I felt as thought I had no path or clear goal because of all the requirements the CC programs require. My GPA is poor because doing poorly. So then I decided to do the Concorde LVN program. I entered with one of my good friends but we ended up clashing and felt frustrated because she would want to study at this time and place and I was working too. And I kept thinking to myself I shouldve been in the RN program and should have tried harder. So I lost motivation on doing well in the Concorde LVN program and was kicked out as well. Probably got 5K of loans from them. So after that I gave up on nursing and said Im done. I keep failing. I keep wasting time and money. So I ended up going back to CC to do soemthing different. I chose Accounting! I enjoyed math and it seemed like a stable career. When I started taking classes for Accounting I got terribly bored with it. And my grades suffered. So at the CC that Im in I ended up on Academic Probation. I ended up taking a break from school to see what I really want. I tried applying outside of the medical field but no luck or intrest. I looked into other careers in the healthcare industry and didn't like any of them. I kept going back to nursing. Because of the variety of jobs and the possibilities. BTW this whole time Ive been working as a CNA. Its the only jobs I qualify for and the ones I know how to do. NOW... after thinking what I should do in life. I kinda see myself as a nurse but not just bedside. I see myself specializing lie Operating Room or Case Management or a clinic job. And realize nursing is what I really know. So I decided to do RN again but through the CC and did Anatomy. But I end up failing. I don't know whats wrong with me. So I was thinking of doing the LVN program at Kaplan the go straight into the RN program. And I realize now I want this and need to succeed in this because this is my last shot. So I wanted to know after all that Ive been through if Im making the right decision in doing the private school route again. I feel old. I want to help my mom more financially. I want to get it done. At CCs I have very poor grades so I feel that private schools are my only hope. ANY INSIGHT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!! THANK YOU!!!!

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Hold on a minute. Breathe. You need to organize yourself to look at what credits you have, what can transfer to whatever school you choose, and a better laid out plan to get there.

Most colleges have academic advisors as well as guidance counselors. Before you get once ounce more of student loan debt, you need to have a meeting with them. You need to discuss what you have, what you need, and a realistic goal.

With that being said, it is glaring out at me--and we do not give medical advice per TOS, however, make an appointment with your MD. Get a referral to someone who can test you for ADHD and other learning issues. This can also be an adult issue, and not just a kid problem.

The other issue I see is that you may not want to be a "bedside nurse" however, a number of your clincals will be just that. Bedside nursing. And that may or may not be what you are looking for.

You mention case managment. That can often be accomplished by a licensed social worker degree. Some LPN's are in fact case managers, however, you often need the bedside experience to be able to be hired.

You can and should hone in on your likes/dislikes and see what you can come up with. Often, one has enough credits to at least get a liberal arts degree, and then go from there. Then you can research if you want to get certified in case managment, certified in some other thing that you would enjoy.

I would also look into phlebotomy, ekg, EMT....more of a vocational route. Personally, I can say I do hands on much better than books.

Best of luck to you in your endevours, and keep us posted!

[hopefulnurse5]

Good morning jadelpn. Thank you for reading and replying to my post. I did spoke with a guidance counselor and I am close to getting a liberal arts degree. I guess I feel the pressure of finishing something because Ive been in school for so long. I will definetly look into Social Work. I actually never thought I would have ADHD I just always thought I was unmotivated or lazy or tired or just all the above! Hah! Anyways, Im breathing. I do have an appointment with a guidance consuelor again next week and see what she says. I guess because Ive spoken to alot of people who did the Kaplan LVN program recently its been nagging at me to see it and try it out. I'm still on the fence on things but it is kinda daughting to add more student loans to my plate. I will definetly keep you posted. Thanks so much.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

This is your life we are talking about, don't let anyone "nag" you into your educational choice.

Have you seen a community college counselor? Concordia/Kaplan will cost much more than a local junior college.

You will have to pay your dues at the bedside to use your degree in other areas. If you feel you are not able to spend 3 -5 years doing so, pursue other areas.

Whatever you decide to do, you need to brush up on your writing skills. How you present yourself with the written word is crucial to your success. I am NOT picking on you, but your post contains many errors that are easily corrected by spell check.

Good luck, let us know how it's going.

[hopefulnurse5]

Hi Been there, done that,

I know, I apologize for the huge paragraph with many spelling and grammer errors.

So I have scheduled myself with my CCs counselors to see what I can do to improve myself in my academic career. I will be talking to her on Wednesday. I hope there is someone I can get out of this hole that I have created and can't seem to get myself out.

Pursuing nursing is something I am still intrested in. I can handle bedside for a few years. It's not something I would want to do all my life because I would like to specialize at some point.

Thank you for your input. I guess I was feeling the pressure on finishing and just get it done because everyone of my friends is done with college and Im still here stuck at square one.

Thanks again! =)

[Nola009]

In my experience, the way the.CCs make their money is through QUANTITY --- of students, of re-takes. When I finally decided to go for the gusto and finish.my degree, I took matters into my own hands. While I heard both out, I found that many of the students were more helpful than the ******* nursing advisors at my school. You will need a PLAN for success. A good network of.support and low work demands. Good luck, you can do it!!!